The Complexity of Transgender Lives in India: Why They Are Feared and Discriminated Against
Transgender individuals, known as “Hijras” in India, occupy a unique yet marginalized space within Indian society. Despite centuries of cultural and religious significance, they often face systemic discrimination, limited opportunities, and deep-seated stigma. This article explores the reasons behind the societal fear of transgender individuals, their struggles for acceptance, and their visible role in the public sphere, particularly in begging: a livelihood that has become both a survival strategy and a societal stereotype.
We will delve into various aspects, including cultural beliefs surrounding Hijras, the economic motivations behind begging, and the societal discrimination that leaves many transgender individuals without options. The role of organized begging networks and the ethical dilemmas surrounding this practice will also be examined, alongside suggestions for inclusive solutions to uplift this community.
Who Are the Hijras?
Hijras are a traditional transgender community in South Asia, particularly in India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. They include transgender women (assigned male at birth), intersex individuals, and eunuchs. Historically, Hijras held an elevated status, often serving as royal advisors, performers, or spiritual intermediaries in ancient Indian courts and temples. Their connection to fertility rituals and blessings has deep roots in Indian mythology, where they are linked to divine figures such as Ardhanarishvara: a composite deity symbolizing the union of masculine and feminine energies.
However, with the advent of colonial rule, the status of Hijras began to decline sharply. British-era laws like the Criminal Tribes Act of 1871 classified them as criminals, stigmatizing their existence and forcing many into the fringes of society. Despite some progress in modern legal frameworks, such as the 2014 Supreme Court judgment recognizing transgender individuals as a “third gender,” the stigma persists.
What makes the situation of India’s transgender community particularly unique is the striking contrast in their social treatment. On the one hand, their blessings are actively sought during auspicious occasions such as weddings and childbirth, with families willing to offer significant sums of money for their presence. On the other hand, they face severe discrimination in everyday life, often being denied basic rights, employment opportunities, and social acceptance. This exclusion often leads them to begging or sex work as a means of survival, further perpetuating stereotypes and societal fear.
Why are Transgender Individuals Discriminated Against
According to the 2011 Census of India, there are approximately 4.88 lakh (487,803) transgender individuals in the country, with a literacy rate of just 56.07%. Concentrations of the community are highest in Uttar Pradesh (28%) and Maharashtra (8%), followed by Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and West Bengal. These figures underscore the socio-economic vulnerabilities of Hijras, whose lives are shaped by systemic exclusion and discrimination.
Societal Discrimination and Exclusion from Family
In a society that celebrates diversity in culture, religion, and language, transgender individuals remain conspicuously excluded. When a male child exhibits behaviors deemed feminine or violates societal gender norms, families often respond with scorn, physical or verbal abuse, or outright rejection. Parents may disown their children, fearing social disgrace, diminished marriage prospects, or the end of their lineage if the child does not conform to expected gender roles. In such cases, transgender individuals are left homeless and ostracized, unable to claim property rights or familial support.
Many transgender individuals run away from their families, seeking refuge in Hijra communities. While these communities provide a sense of belonging, they rarely offer pathways to education or professional growth. Consequently, most transgender individuals remain uneducated or undereducated, further limiting their job opportunities.
Systemic Discrimination and Abuse
Outside the family, societal attitudes compound the challenges faced by transgender individuals. They often experience ridicule, hostility, and violence from the general public. Police, who are meant to protect, frequently engage in physical and verbal abuse, extortion, and wrongful arrests. A 2007 study revealed alarming statistics: 46% of transgender individuals reported instances of forced sex, 44% faced physical abuse, and 31% experienced blackmail.
Even healthcare settings, which should be safe spaces, present hurdles. Transgender individuals are often misgendered, registered as males, and admitted to male wards, causing humiliation and distress. Medical staff and patients alike subject them to verbal harassment, and healthcare providers frequently lack the training or sensitivity to address their needs. Discrimination is often exacerbated by their perceived or actual status as sex workers or individuals living with HIV, leading to outright denial of medical services.
Lack of Employment Opportunities
The lack of employment opportunities is another major factor contributing to the marginalization of transgender individuals. A study commissioned by India’s National Human Rights Commission in 2017 revealed that only 6% of transgender individuals were formally employed in the private or non-governmental sectors. This stark statistic highlights the profound challenges that transgender people face in accessing stable, dignified employment.
Due to widespread societal prejudice, transgender individuals are often excluded from the formal job market, with employers unwilling to hire them out of fear of social backlash or discomfort. While legal frameworks have made strides in recognizing transgender individuals’ rights, real-world implementation of anti-discrimination policies in the workplace remains minimal. The lack of job opportunities forces many transgender people into informal, often stigmatized livelihoods such as begging or sex work, where they face further discrimination and exploitation.
Why Begging and Sex Work Become Lifelines for Transgender People
Faced with pervasive discrimination and the absence of viable employment opportunities, many transgender individuals turn to begging and sex work. Traditional roles, such as performing blessings at weddings or births (badhai), have diminished, leaving begging and sex work as the primary means of survival.
Begging is often seen as a safer, more culturally accepted option. Many people believe in the power of Hijras to bestow blessings or curses, which compels them to give money out of respect or fear. On the other hand, sex work, while financially lucrative, exposes transgender individuals to significant health risks, including a heightened vulnerability to HIV/AIDS.
The lack of systemic protections leaves Hijras particularly vulnerable to exploitation. Without police protection, they become easy targets for extortion and sexual violence. This systemic failure underscores the urgency of addressing their socio-economic exclusion and ensuring their rights to dignity, education, and employment.
Begging as a Means of Survival
For many Hijras, begging is not a matter of choice but of necessity. With a low literacy rate and few educational opportunities, the vast majority of transgender individuals are excluded from formal employment. According to the 2011 Census, the literacy rate for transgender individuals is just 56.07%, a figure significantly lower than the national average. This educational disparity limits their chances of securing jobs in the formal economy.
In addition to educational limitations, many transgender individuals face direct discrimination in employment. Employers often reject transgender applicants due to their gender identity, perpetuating a cycle of unemployment and poverty. This exclusion from the workforce pushes many into begging, which is seen as one of the few sources of income available to them.
While begging is seen by society as a form of charity or pity, it is also a financial lifeline for transgender individuals. It provides them with the means to support themselves and participate in the traditional cultural practices tied to their role in society. The money they receive from begging often goes toward basic survival needs, such as food, shelter, and healthcare, but the sum they collect varies depending on the public’s perception of them.
Economic Motivations and Profitability in Transgender Begging
Despite the socio-economic challenges that transgender individuals face, begging can be surprisingly profitable — particularly for those who are seen as spiritual or possess the ability to bless others. The belief in the power of Hijras to bring good fortune plays a role in increasing the amount of money they receive. Many transgender beggars report earning more than non-transgender beggars, especially in settings like train stations, temples, and weddings where blessings are considered important.
This financial disparity has given rise to another phenomenon: individuals who are not transgender but dress in a gender-nonconforming manner to increase their begging earnings. These impostors, often called “imitation Hijras,” adopt the appearance and behavior of transgender individuals to take advantage of the cultural reverence that Hijras command. By impersonating Hijras, these impostors can collect higher amounts of money from people who believe they are genuine Hijras performing blessings.
While this practice is widespread, it highlights an economic disparity within the community. Genuine Hijras, who rely on begging as a primary means of survival, often find themselves competing with impostors who have no connection to the transgender community but can earn significantly more by exploiting these cultural beliefs. The success rates for impostors are often much higher, leading to frustration and financial instability for those who are genuinely transgender.
Organized Begging Networks
In the context of transgender individuals resorting to begging, it is essential to examine the structured, often organized nature of the practice, particularly among Hijra communities in India. Begging, although viewed as a last resort by many, has become a vital part of survival for many transgender individuals. Over time, the practice of begging has evolved into a highly organized and systematized operation, especially among Hijra communities, who often treat it as a way of life.
The Hierarchical Structure within Hijra Communities
Many Hijra communities are known to operate with a strict internal hierarchy, similar to that of a cult-like structure, where the community’s finances and day-to-day activities are managed in a way that mirrors organized crime groups. At the base of this hierarchy are the younger, less influential members, who are often expected to engage in begging or sex work to generate income for the community. As they prove their value, they can work their way up within the hierarchy, gaining more power and control within the community.
This system not only provides financial support to the individual community members but also ensures the survival of the community as a whole. The income earned through begging and sex work is often pooled together, with senior members controlling the finances and making decisions regarding how the money is distributed among the members. This often leaves the lower-level members with minimal earnings, which they must contribute back to the community.
The environment within these communities can be toxic, as those at the bottom of the hierarchy have limited autonomy and are subject to harsh regulations. Many members of the Hijra communities who wish to leave or reject this structure face significant barriers. Leaving the community can be an incredibly difficult decision because these communities often provide not only financial support but also a sense of belonging — something that many transgender individuals lack in the wider society.
Assigned territories and the seemingly crime-like operation
In addition to the internal hierarchy, Hijra communities often operate in an organized manner with designated territories. These territories are usually centered around public spaces such as train stations, markets, and temples, where begging is common. Each Hijra group may control a specific area, with senior members assigning certain members to particular spots. These territories are well-established, and the groups’ ability to raise money is often linked to their control over these spaces.
Begging is not a random or isolated activity but rather a carefully orchestrated effort. Transgender individuals within these groups often work in teams, approaching passengers on trains or people at temples to collect money. The financial success of a group depends not only on the number of beggars they can deploy but also on their ability to work together as a coordinated unit. The higher-level members may monitor and manage the activities of the lower-level members to ensure that they adhere to the group’s expectations, maintaining both control over their territory and the revenue they generate.
The Impact of Harassment and Stigma
The intense societal stigma against transgender individuals exacerbates their reliance on begging as a source of income. Begging for many Hijra communities is not just a way to survive; it is a means of navigating through a society that ostracizes them. People often view transgender individuals as objects of pity or fear, which contributes to the public’s willingness to give money to them. However, this generosity is not always based on compassion; it is also a result of deeply ingrained superstitions about the powers of transgender people.
At the same time, many members of Hijra communities weaponize this fear. They understand the cultural context in which they are operating and use it to their advantage, exploiting societal superstitions to gain financial support. This dynamic further complicates the relationship between transgender individuals and the broader population, reinforcing the stigma and perpetuating their role as outcasts in society.
The Complexity of Exiting the Begging System
It is important to recognize the difficulty many transgender individuals face in attempting to break free from the cycle of begging and sex work. Even if they manage to leave their Hijra communities, they often find it nearly impossible to integrate into mainstream society. The deeply entrenched societal prejudices, combined with a lack of formal employment opportunities, make it challenging for transgender individuals to establish themselves in more traditional occupations.
Efforts to formalize the begging industry, by regulating and legalizing aspects of transgender individuals’ livelihoods, have made minimal progress. Despite the legal recognition of transgender people as a third gender and efforts to create inclusive policies, many still face barriers to accessing education, healthcare, and most importantly, employment.
For those who are part of these organized begging networks, exiting is not only a matter of personal will but also one of survival. Without systemic support or societal acceptance, many transgender individuals remain trapped in a cycle of begging, which, despite its challenges and dangers, offers the only viable option for sustenance.
Broader Implications and Ethical Questions
The phenomenon of transgender individuals resorting to begging raises several profound ethical questions that extend beyond the immediate concerns of income and survival. The cultural dynamics and societal responses to transgender begging highlight the complex intersections of respect, fear, pity, and the perpetuation of stereotypes. As we explore these deeper ethical concerns, it becomes evident that the practice of begging is not merely an economic transaction but a reflection of broader societal issues and biases.
The Moral Dilemma: Generosity or Pity?
One of the central ethical questions surrounding transgender begging is the nature of the public’s response. Why are people more inclined to give money to transgender beggars as compared to others? The obvious assumption is that it stems from a sense of generosity or compassion. However, a deeper examination reveals that the underlying motives may be more complex, often driven by fear, superstition, or a sense of guilt.
Many individuals may give money to transgender beggars out of a desire to avoid perceived bad luck or misfortune. In a society where religious beliefs and superstitions play a significant role, the idea of receiving a curse from a transgender person is taken seriously by some. As a result, people give money not out of genuine concern but as a means of appeasing or avoiding negative consequences. This creates a dynamic where transgender individuals are seen as objects of fear, rather than equals who deserve dignity and support.
Moreover, the generosity extended to transgender beggars is often different from the compassion shown to other beggars. This differential treatment, based on the transgender identity, perpetuates the idea that transgender people are either to be feared or pitied, reinforcing their marginalization and limiting their opportunities for inclusion in the broader society.
Moving Beyond Pity: Towards Respect and Equality
Ultimately, the ethical challenge is to shift the focus from pity and fear to respect and equality. Transgender people, like all individuals, should be afforded the same rights, opportunities, and respect as anyone else in society. Their gender identity, whether cisgender or transgender, should not define their worth or dictate their economic and social status.
Creating a more inclusive society that recognizes the inherent dignity of all people, regardless of gender identity, is essential for dismantling the stereotypes and stigmas that fuel practices like begging. When transgender individuals are seen as valuable members of society, capable of contributing in diverse and meaningful ways, the cycle of marginalization and exploitation can begin to break down. This shift in perception is not just about changing how transgender people are treated, but also about empowering them to live lives that are full of possibility, choice, and respect.
Moving Towards Solutions
The challenges faced by transgender individuals, particularly those in the Hijra community, are multifaceted and deeply rooted in societal, cultural, and economic issues. However, there are significant efforts underway to address these problems and create a more inclusive environment for transgender people in India. While progress has been made, there is still a long way to go. This section explores potential solutions that could improve the socio-economic conditions of transgender individuals, reduce their marginalization, and ensure they are granted the same rights and opportunities as other citizens.
1. Systemic Changes to Provide Transgender Individuals with Better Opportunities
The first and most crucial step toward improving the lives of transgender individuals is the implementation of systemic changes that promote equality and inclusivity. This requires addressing the root causes of transgender marginalization, particularly the lack of access to education, healthcare, and employment opportunities.
To begin with, transgender people must be integrated into the formal workforce through anti-discrimination policies that protect them from bias in hiring and promotion processes. The government can play a critical role by offering incentives for private sector employers to hire transgender individuals, such as subsidies for transgender-inclusive workplaces and programs to raise awareness of the challenges faced by transgender people. Furthermore, businesses and organizations should be encouraged to implement diversity training to reduce workplace discrimination.
In education, efforts should be made to ensure that transgender individuals have access to schools and universities without fear of bullying or discrimination. Programs aimed at enhancing literacy rates within the transgender community are crucial, as low education levels are a significant barrier to securing stable, formal employment. Scholarships, vocational training, and specialized support programs for transgender individuals can help them break the cycle of poverty and improve their life prospects.
2. Empowering Transgender Individuals Through Education and Employment
One of the most effective ways to combat begging and sex work among transgender individuals is to provide them with alternative avenues for livelihood through education and skills development. Education not only opens doors to better employment but also empowers individuals to make informed decisions about their lives and challenges the stereotypes that often surround them.
Success stories of transgender individuals who have managed to break free from the cycle of begging through education and employment can serve as powerful examples. For instance, in cities like Bangalore and Delhi, some transgender people have successfully transitioned into mainstream professions such as teaching, counseling, and even entrepreneurship. These stories prove that with the right support, transgender individuals can thrive in a variety of fields and contribute meaningfully to society.
Organizations such as the Naz Foundation and The Humsafar Trust have been instrumental in providing educational opportunities, vocational training, and career development programs for transgender individuals. These initiatives not only help transgender people find stable work but also challenge societal norms and prejudices about their abilities and worth.
3. Legal and Policy Reforms
Legal reforms are crucial for ensuring the protection and inclusion of transgender individuals in all aspects of society. One of the most significant changes in recent years was the recognition of transgender people as a third gender under Indian law. This landmark decision passed in 2014, has allowed transgender individuals to access certain rights and benefits, including healthcare, education, and social security.
However, more needs to be done to strengthen the legal framework for transgender rights. For instance, a bill passed by the Indian Parliament in 2019 aimed to protect transgender individuals from discrimination, guarantee access to employment, and ensure their right to self-identify. While the bill is a step in the right direction, its implementation has been slow, and many transgender individuals still face significant barriers to claiming their rights.
To further support transgender individuals, the government should also enforce laws that prevent discrimination in public services, healthcare, and housing. In addition, more stringent laws are needed to curb the exploitation and abuse of transgender individuals, especially those engaged in begging and sex work.
4. Social Attitude Changes and Public Awareness
Beyond legal and systemic reforms, a fundamental shift in public attitudes toward transgender individuals is essential. Societal stigma and prejudice against transgender people are among the biggest obstacles to their integration into mainstream society. Many people still view transgender individuals as a threat or as objects of ridicule, which reinforces the cycle of discrimination.
Public awareness campaigns, media representation, and community outreach programs are vital in changing these attitudes. By educating the public about transgender issues and promoting positive representations of transgender individuals in the media, we can challenge stereotypes and foster acceptance. Positive portrayals of transgender people in films, television shows, and social media can help normalize their presence in everyday life and demonstrate that they deserve the same respect and opportunities as anyone else.
In addition, encouraging conversations around gender diversity in schools and workplaces can play a pivotal role in breaking down the biases and prejudices that perpetuate the exclusion of transgender individuals. Respect for gender diversity must be ingrained from a young age to ensure that future generations grow up with a more inclusive and accepting mindset.
5. Government and NGO Support for Transgender Communities
Government initiatives, such as the establishment of dedicated programs for the transgender community, can make a significant difference in improving the lives of transgender individuals. These programs should focus on providing access to healthcare, housing, legal aid, and other essential services that transgender people often struggle to access.
NGOs and community organizations have also been instrumental in advocating for transgender rights and providing direct support to those in need. These organizations can offer safe spaces, mental health services, and resources to help transgender individuals overcome the challenges they face in society. By working in partnership with the government and other stakeholders, these organizations can help build a more inclusive society that respects and uplifts transgender people.
6. Moving Beyond Begging: Creating Long-Term Solutions
While begging may provide short-term relief, it is not a sustainable solution for transgender individuals. The long-term goal must be to create systems that allow transgender people to live with dignity and independence, free from the need to resort to begging or sex work.
This involves providing transgender people with the tools and resources they need to build a future beyond poverty and exclusion. Whether through education, employment, or entrepreneurship, transgender individuals must be given opportunities to thrive and contribute to society in meaningful ways.
Conclusion
The path to equality for transgender individuals in India is still long, but the strides made in recent years offer hope for a better future. Systemic changes in education, employment, and legal protection, combined with a shift in societal attitudes, are key to breaking the cycle of marginalization and discrimination. Through collective efforts from the government, NGOs, and society at large, we can work towards creating a world where transgender individuals are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve.
By empowering transgender individuals through education, employment, and legal protections, we can help them break free from the cycle of begging and sex work. We must continue to push for change so that one day transgender people no longer have to resort to begging as a means of survival but instead have the opportunity to lead fulfilling and independent lives.